Nessie nips to headline at major whisky and spirits summit

ALISTAIR MUNRO

A HIGHLAND firm which bottles water straight from the body of Loch Ness is aiming to attract monster crowds at a world-famous whisky and spirits conference.

Loch Ness Water has been named an official partner of the iconic Global Whiskies and Spirits Summit on Thursday.

The Loch Ness monster?

The company is hoping to impress producers, importers, distillers, retailers and international media with a unique exhibition stand which features stunning illustrations of Loch Ness and facts about the monster herself.

They will also be displaying example bottles of the genuine bottled Loch Ness Water.

The Loch Ness Water team is currently gearing up for the event, in which they will courier 501 litres of water to London, as the firm is the official water suppliers of the three-day event, which is held at The Grand Connaught Rooms, London.

Loch Ness Water is sponsoring a number of awards at the glitzy World Whisky Awards that will take place on Friday, and celebrates the crème de la crème of those in the industry.

The Global Whiskies & Spirits Conference is the world’s leading summit for debate and discussion on global trends in the dynamic spirits industry.

The event has developed significantly over more than a decade to incorporate the entire spirits industry, analysing international product, design, sales and marketing trends.

The programme is designed in consultation with a distinguished panel of industry experts aimed at all participants in the whisky and spirits sector.

The event attracts importers, distillers, retailers and international mediafrom across the globe.

Managing director John Oag, said: “The phenomenon of the Loch Ness Water attracts and interests people around the world. This is a perfect opportunity for us to showcase a real Highland business in front of a global audience.

“We believe our water compliments whisky perfectly, and we felt this was a great opportunity to put Loch Ness Water on the map.

Exporting is an area of business that we believe will become very important to us, hence why we are travelling to London to be part of this very exciting event.

“In the future I would like to see more Highland businesses be able to be part of events like this, but funding is a barrier.

“It’s expensive and in the future I would like to see more help and drive to introduce Highland produce to the rest of the world.

“Events like this are held in London for obvious reasons, such as transport links, but in order for the Highland economy to thrive, there has to be easy access for businesses in more remote areas, and I think more support is needed.”

Loch Ness Water is being produced in 100ml and 350ml glass bottles and is retailing to hotels and premium retail outlets.

The business has its own custom-built bottling plant in premises in Avoch, 12 miles from Inverness.